If you've seen Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now, this documentary about its production is incredibly interesting and an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary compiled from Coppola's wife's... more
If you've seen Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now, this documentary about its production is incredibly interesting and an in-depth behind-the-scenes documentary compiled from Coppola's wife's footage and sometimes hidden microphones. Martin Sheen's exploration of his insane character and consequently his emotional issues, as well as a heart attack, is pretty memorable. Also, Coppola's determination and almost callous disregard for anything getting in the way of his vision is reminiscent of Herzog's Fitzcarraldo production. There is not much about Brando (which disappointed me), but some glimpses and anecdotal pieces about his demands and work ethic. Remarkable capturing of the artistic process and the lengths to which some people go to fulfill their humongous undertakings; Coppola's journey mirrors the book he chose to adapt.
Woody Allen's departure from comedy resulted in numerous successful dramas. September is one of the better ones, taking place entirely inside a house and concerning the shifting relationships and... more
Woody Allen's departure from comedy resulted in numerous successful dramas. September is one of the better ones, taking place entirely inside a house and concerning the shifting relationships and personalities of this small social circle. Mia Farrow's performance as the centerpiece glues everything else together and all of the peripheral happenings relate back to her in some way. It's an emotional, melancholic film with a perfect title, poignantly representing the change in seasons as well as the transition into the latter days of life. Very enjoyable, tightly constructed and a top-notch script.
A deceptively light and simple comedy from director Richard Linklater. A lot of the technique and storytelling are so well done, they are nearly invisible, and Jack Black's frenetic performance... more
A deceptively light and simple comedy from director Richard Linklater. A lot of the technique and storytelling are so well done, they are nearly invisible, and Jack Black's frenetic performance (definitely among his best) receives most of the attention. The supporting cast of kids is superb (each an archetype created by their parental influences) and the music can really bring a smile to your face. Well made in every way with a script and tone that will warm even the coldest cynic's heart, it is movies like these sorely missing from the popular landscape. It has something to say about not becoming jaded, about chasing your passion, about staying curious, about nonconformity, about living the life you want to lead. A great rock soundtrack and a fluid pace. Really enjoyable and thoughtful. An entertaining movie of the best kind.
Jack Black and Richard Linklater collaborate for a second time (School of Rock) to make Bernie, a film just as effective, even if to a different end. Black's performance is excellent and noteworthy... more
Jack Black and Richard Linklater collaborate for a second time (School of Rock) to make Bernie, a film just as effective, even if to a different end. Black's performance is excellent and noteworthy, holding together this fragile true story that can be morbid and absurd at times. The crime and relationship at the base of the tale are actually quite sad, but Linklater highlights the surrounding elements: the townspeople (shown in fictionalized interviews, working like somewhat of a Greek chorus), the trial (wherein exaggerated details unrelated to the case influenced the sentence), and Bernie himself (the most popular murderer you're likely to come across), which balances the tone. The film has a general blend of unease and levity, a difficult mixture to achieve and one that attests to Linklater's skill. Though fictionalized, it does not feel embellished. Aside from the story, it's also a spot-on portrait of a small town and the impact reputation can have. Very good. Liked it a lot.
Based on allegedly true events, The Amityville Horror tells of a haunted house (due to the horrific, unexplainable murders that occurred there) and a new family's experiences with what they claimed... more
Based on allegedly true events, The Amityville Horror tells of a haunted house (due to the horrific, unexplainable murders that occurred there) and a new family's experiences with what they claimed to be supernatural and paranormal events. The film portrays what has become a horror movie cliche: the newlyweds moving into their first house together with the hopes of normal, domestic bliss (living happily ever after) only to have strange happenings unravel little by little until full-blown chaos dominates. It's cliche for a reason: it's effective. The actors here really do a good job for the most part: James Brolin is particularly creepy, while Margot Kidder (Superman) and Rod Steiger are good, if uneven. Bears lots of similarities to The Shining (bleeding walls, ax-wielding maniac, haunted house, etc.) with Kubrick far out-shining this, but still it's overall an enjoyable and thrilling story that may or may not be true.
For someone that loves the imaginative, insightful stories of Greek mythology, film adaptations are usually set up for failure. Jason and the Argonauts shuns this trend though by being an amazing... more
For someone that loves the imaginative, insightful stories of Greek mythology, film adaptations are usually set up for failure. Jason and the Argonauts shuns this trend though by being an amazing visual experience that stands up great 50 years later. This is due in no small part to stop-motion expert Ray Harryhausen - his work here is baffling and with its hand-crafted look, perhaps preferable to the technologically sophisticated, but less effective CGI of today. Jason, his shipmates, Medea, Hercules and others encounter a handful of mythical creatures and objects, all the while being overseen by the gods. It's a true adventure, one that provokes creativity and delight free of any disbelief and skepticism. One of the all-time great fantasy films.
Michael Curtiz's adaptation of Jack London's The Sea Wolf is similar to his far more known Casablanca in that it is about cynical people leaving behind lives that weigh them down only to come up... more
Michael Curtiz's adaptation of Jack London's The Sea Wolf is similar to his far more known Casablanca in that it is about cynical people leaving behind lives that weigh them down only to come up against evil forces greater than those they are fleeing. Superficial comparisons aside, this film stands the test of time just as well. The always great John Garfield and the underused Ida Lupino form an unlikely partnership against the unfeeling world, led by Edward G. Robinson's cruel, heartless sea captain. The excellent script is by Robert Rossen, one of Hollywood's original subversives writing dark, misanthropic characters. Running just 85 minutes, taking place on a ship, and with an ending that seems dictated by the studio, The Sea Wolf transcends these possible limitations through the development of these fiery, complex people. As was common in London's work, mankind shows itself to be more of a threat to itself than the surrounding extreme natural conditions. Really enjoyed this.
A satirical, whimsical film about the end of the 60s and the sexual revolution, along with the introduction of new therapy techniques popular at the time (results in some hilarious, insightful... more
A satirical, whimsical film about the end of the 60s and the sexual revolution, along with the introduction of new therapy techniques popular at the time (results in some hilarious, insightful scenes). The excellent cast (especially Natalie Wood and Elliott Gould) plays this pair of couples soul-searching and digging into the nature of their relationships, while also practicing freer ideas of love and domesticity. With an anticlimactic ending, the film brilliantly portrays what can happen when merely following trends of the time as well the problems with blanket skepticism. Pretty enjoyable watch.
Yes, this is a documentary about Elmo. Kind of. It's really about dreaming. Dreaming about a career, dreaming about changing the world, dreaming about being or doing anything at all. Kevin Clash... more
Yes, this is a documentary about Elmo. Kind of. It's really about dreaming. Dreaming about a career, dreaming about changing the world, dreaming about being or doing anything at all. Kevin Clash dreamed of being a puppeteer and thanks to his determination, talent, ingenuity, and help from Jim Henson himself, he became one of the greatest, most famous yet. Not only does the movie tell Kevin's story, but also provides a behind-the-scenes look into the world of puppets, specifically Jim Henson's contributions. Documentaries have a tendency towards doom and gloom, but this is the exact opposite: an uplifting, life-affirming, joyous account of Sesame Street's most ticklish creation, and the hard work and creativity that went into it. Definitely worth seeing.
Over his entire career, Spike Lee made several energetic, incisive, tense works examining race, love, societal constraints, addiction, and cultural identity. Jungle Fever came right between Mo'... more
Over his entire career, Spike Lee made several energetic, incisive, tense works examining race, love, societal constraints, addiction, and cultural identity. Jungle Fever came right between Mo' Better Blues (jazz music) and Malcolm X (political action) and manages similar breadth while continuing his microscopic view of the effects of race on individuals and society. The cast here is notable in itself: Wesley Snipes (career best?), Annabella Sciorra, Spike himself, Ossie Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, John Turturro, Anthony Quinn, and cameos by Halle Berry, Tim Robbins, Queen Latifah and Brad Dourif. All turn in solid, true-to-life performances. This is quintessential Spike Lee: angry, thoughtful, vulnerable, honest. It remains fresh and relevant today (unfortunately), but also could be applied to any time and any prejudice. Gets at the nature of desire and how much of that is defined by our surroundings. Definitely worth watching and a must-see for Spike Lee fans.
One of the all-time great animators, Don Hertzfeldt has set himself up in a class of his own, working primarily alone for years at a time on each film (opting to continue working in the... more
One of the all-time great animators, Don Hertzfeldt has set himself up in a class of his own, working primarily alone for years at a time on each film (opting to continue working in the frame-by-frame analog method with 35mm cameras). His madness is not without its methods and with truly unique and dazzling results at times. His earlier zany, satirical work has now evolved into a more experimental, adventurous style combining technical wizardry and sophisticated storytelling - his "Bill trilogy" (Everything Will Be OK, I am so proud of you, and It's Such A Beautiful Day). His love of the artform and the strength of his creative ideas takes the minimalist, almost crude drawings to another level. His work is unforgettable and he is a model of the self-reliant, humble creator, resisting commercialism and the easy paycheck to retain his artistic control. Much of his work is available on YouTube/online, but make sure to give it your undivided attention.
Danny Boyle's visceral debut is a memorable one. Shallow Grave is about three roommates (Ewen McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, and Kerry Fox - all excellent) that start as friends and become... more
Danny Boyle's visceral debut is a memorable one. Shallow Grave is about three roommates (Ewen McGregor, Christopher Eccleston, and Kerry Fox - all excellent) that start as friends and become something else as the story progresses. Without giving away too much of the plot (watching things unfold and take off in different directions is half the fun), it's a joyously grotesque, morbid black comedy told with an energy and rhythm Boyle would also apply to his more popular follow-up (Trainspotting). It wears its influences on its sleeve (Polanski, for one), but also seems to have served as a stylistic template itself for many films since. Great soundtrack, editing, camerawork, script, and acting. Definitely worth seeing, especially so for lovers of Boyle's work (he reaches heights here I have not yet seen him surpass). A lot of fun. Dark, tense fun.
I like Sirk's adaptation better than Stahl's (1931). Full of color and life and its share of depressing events, Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman navigate the film's moral and romantic themes masterfully... more
I like Sirk's adaptation better than Stahl's (1931). Full of color and life and its share of depressing events, Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman navigate the film's moral and romantic themes masterfully. Equal parts chance, redemption, desire, philanthropy.
